Former President John Mahama, has challenged the Electoral Commission (EC) to continue to ensure a level playing field to court the confidence of all stakeholders to help advance democracy in the country.
“With transparent, trust and fairness, stakeholders will accept the outcome of elections, which will help advance peace, unity, security and development due to the nation’s beacon of hope globally and I assure the commission my office and the party will support and assist to succeed to consolidate the democratic credentials of the country,” he said.
Former President Mahama threw the challenge when Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the EC led a team of commissioners of the EC to pay a courtesy call on him in Accra which formed part of EC’s efforts to explain its operations, bring commission closer to stakeholders, afford an opportunity to know at first-hand concerns and issues regarding its operations.
Among the team were her two deputies – Samuel Tettey, the Deputy Chairperson in-charge of Operations, Dr Bossman Asare, the Deputy Chairperson in-charge of Corporate Services and Adwoa Asuama Abrefa, a commissioner.
Former President Mahama commended EC for embarking on stakeholders’ consultation which marked beginning of confidence building and recounted his involvement in electoral processes of the country since days of opaque ballot box through to biometric system and pledged his partnership to work with EC.
He used the opportunity to discuss issues that occurred during the 2016 elections at closed-door meeting.
Ofosu Ampofo, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) said the party had contributed diversely to deepening and evolution of electoral processes, party was open-minded and would continue to make constructive suggestions to enhance work of EC.
“Whatever input we make as party, we make it in good faith, we want commission to succeed because if they do it facilitates peace, unity, security and development, party recognise work of commission is pivotal and hinged on security of the country,” he noted.
Mrs Mensa reiterated the visit was part of commission’s efforts to open up its operations, forge partnership as well as open up channels of communication between EC and stakeholders saying, “We welcome constructive criticism and will continue to operate an open-door policy to help build united, peaceful, coherent country, recognise immense contribution of the former president to political dispensation, hence, decision to visit to seek his partnership.” –GNA
